What Is the Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse?
The Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse (中西家住宅内蔵, Nakanishi-ke Jūtaku Uchigura) is a two-storey late Edo-period (1751–1829) storehouse in Kishibe-naka, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property on 1 July 2003. It is attached to the north side of the side entrance of the Nakanishi nagayamon.
It is built in the Dozo-zukuri manner, with thick earthen walls, under a gabled Hongawarabuki roof of alternating round and flat tiles. It measures 4 ken by 2.5 ken, about 7 by 4.5 metres, for a building area of 40 square metres, and its door is toward the north end of the west wall.
Why the Inner Storehouse Was Registered
The Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse was registered for its contribution to the historic landscape. The Agency for Cultural Affairs notes that together with the Kizara shed and the gatehouse it forms the front of the estate, where it rises a full storey above the single-storey gate.
The three frontage buildings are not roofed alike. The Agency records the Kizara shed with lighter pan tiles, while the inner storehouse carries heavy formal hongawara, so the tallest and heaviest building anchors the east end of the line.
What to Look For: the Roof Frame
The Agency describes the roof frame of the Nakanishi inner storehouse in some detail. A beam with an upward camber spans the centre of the building lengthwise; short posts stand on it and carry a thick ridge beam and the purlins. A cambered beam of this kind can be read as a way of carrying the weight of a heavy tiled roof.
From outside, look at the join where the gatehouse roof turns north and meets the gable wall of the storehouse. The everyday side entrance is right there, so the storehouse stood beside the door the household used most.
Visiting the Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse
Because the Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse adjoins the east end of the gatehouse, part of its gable and roof can be seen from the street. You can view it from inside the grounds on the reservation-only opening days; buildings and garden open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Suita City does not say whether the inside of the storehouse or its roof frame is shown on tours, or whether photography is allowed, so ask the guide. Booking details and directions are on the Nakanishi Family Residence page.
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Q&A
- How is the name of the Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse read?
- Uchigura, meaning inner storehouse; the full name is read Nakanishi-ke Jūtaku Uchigura.
- Where is the Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse?
- At the east end of the gatehouse on the south front of the estate, attached to the north side of the side entrance.
- What kind of roof does the Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse have?
- A gabled roof of formal round-and-flat tiles. Inside, a cambered beam across the centre carries posts that support the ridge beam and purlins.
- When was the Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse registered?
- On 1 July 2003, as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property contributing to the historic landscape.
- How big is the Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse?
- It is a two-storey earthen-walled storehouse of 4 by 2.5 ken, with a building area of 40 square metres.
Basic Information
| Name | Nakanishi Family Residence Inner Storehouse |
|---|---|
| Location | 823-1 Kishibe-naka 4-chome, Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, and others |
| Designation | Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building) |
| Year Designated | Registered 1 July 2003 |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Earthen-walled storehouse, 2 storeys, tiled roof, building area 40 square metres |
| Owner | Suita City and a private owner (breakdown by building not published) |
| Public Access | Exterior from the grounds on reservation days (interior access unconfirmed) |
References
- 中西家住宅内蔵 (Agency for Cultural Affairs, Database of National Cultural Properties)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/101/00003447
- 中西家住宅内蔵 (Cultural Heritage Online)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/116527
- 旧中西家住宅 概要 (Suita City)
- https://www.city.suita.osaka.jp/kyunakanishike/1031141.html
Last verified: 2026.09.30
